(05-21-2017 09:33 PM)Chris Datres Wrote:  The thing that has struck me about our two wins in the playoffs is just how much difference it makes when you have a rock-solid defense. Both Penn State and Syracuse were high-octane teams and we shut them down, thanks to our possession time and our defense. Naturally, Woodall is a major difference-maker when he's winning faceoffs but today, it just seemed like we could do no wrong out there other than the 2-minute stretch early in the 4th quarter when Cuse got 2 or 3 quick ones to really get the nervous meter jumping. Plus, we looked so composed out there when we had the ball. There was no rush or pressure to get force the issue...we let the game come to us. And it's a giant help when we score on our first 3 EMOs.

I was thinking about this as the game was going on -- UMBC got to a Final Four a couple years ago and Loyola won it a few years back...it should be our turn to do some damage. It's great that we already played OSU this year and can learn from that one, even if it was -30 degrees outside. We've got a really experienced bunch of kids on this team and the coaching staff will find the right adjustments plus we're playing with that giant chip on our shoulder thanks to there being no number next to our name.

Nads went out and got Woodall and Harryman because our face-offs were subpar. That shows you he isn't satisfied with just making the NCAA's every season. He wants a ring. Though I worry about Denver, if we get them in the finals, they have one of the best ever in Baptiste. I just don't know how Alex is going to physically be on Monday if we get past Ohio State. But at least he gives you a chance and possession is everything for us.

That first quarter was basically as good as we can play the game. It doesn't get much better than that and unlike other Syracuse games, they couldn't recover in this one. Why? Face-offs, defense and goaltending. We have all three facets maybe for the first time since 2001 when we had Justin Berry, John Horrigan and Adam Baxter, Dan Cocchi and company. For some reason, that team was more enjoyable to watch but this team just appears to have a much better chance because there are no dominant teams this season.